True Vault Hunter Mode

True Vault Hunter Mode is unlocked after completion of the Main Quests for the first time. Players can continue to do Side Quests before jumping into True Vault Hunter Mode if they so choose. The recommended level of entry into this mode is around 28-30.

True Vault Hunter Mode is the same game of Borderlands 2, except it starts up with your character at the exact same state they were in during the regular campaign. Your character will start with all of the weapons, skills, XP, money, even ammo, that they had when you finished the campaign for the first time. This is good news if you are going for Capped Out...For Now, as you can more easily level again with higher-level enemies.

All of your Badass Points also stay with you when you start True Vault Hunter Mode. The progression through the challenges remains the same as well, so starting True Vault Hunter Mode will not mess up any attempts at earning the Challenge Accepted achievement/trophy.

Enemies in True Vault Hunter Mode are harder to defeat. They all have leveled with you, so it is the same level of difficulty as when you started for the first time. Enemies also are slightly different, with new types thrown in to the mix. For example, right at the start all of the Bullymongs now are Savage Bullymongs, with buffed stats. An example of a new enemy includes Armored Psychos, who have full-body armor now.

Quests are also leveled appropriately, with rewards that match the level you are at.

Pandora is also restricted again. You will have to rediscover every fast-travel Location and clear out the fog on your map by exploring once more.

Important Note

After completing the main story you are given the quest You. Will. Die (Seriously.). When you enter True Vault Hunter Mode, you have to complete the story quests for that playthrough in order to get the mission. After completing the quest and killing Terramorphous the Invincible, all enemies will be scaled up to level 50.

Additionally, while you can complete all side missions in Normal just fine, if you want the Level 50 version of any weapon/shield/relic/mod/grenade, do NOT do these side missions during your TVHM mode playthrough! Once you kill The Warrior at the end of TVHM, you will enter "Playthrough 2.5" when you choose to play in TVHM. At this point, all side missions scale to Level 50. If you accidentally did these missions that give item rewards during TVHM, the only way to get the 50 version is to start a new playthrough.